Gov. Governor Greg Abbott ordered the developer of the proposed project aimed at helping Muslim communities to halt construction or face legal consequences.
But builders say they’re not even close to starting.
This is the latest development in the controversy over Epic City, a project developed by the East Plano Islamic Centre, which was bombed online with negative attention and at least five investigations have been investigated by state authorities.
Here’s what you need to know about the epic city and the controversy surrounding it:
What is a magnificent city?
The 402-acre development is located in Colin and Hunt County, 40 miles northeast of Dallas, near the city of Josephine, and includes a new mosque, over 1,000 single family homes, K-12 faith-based schools, senior housing, outreach centers, commercial developments, sports facilities and community universities.
In an interview in December, Yasir Qadhi, resident scholar at Plano Mosque, said the idea of a grand city came when the Muslim population continues to grow in the region.
“We need more space and we have people coming from all over the country,” Cuddy said. “Dallas is now known to be a hub for people of our faith. We come not only to our cities, but especially to our mosques.”
Qadhi said the first 450 plots sold out within days of the announcement on the mosque’s website.
He also said there was no external funding for any of the planned construction. Instead, people are buying shares to own plots of land for future homes. These purchases will have fees to fund the construction of other buildings, such as mosques and schools.
As the project progresses, it will take at least another 10 years.
Epic poem investigation
Abbott announced the epic criminal investigation on Monday, marking the fifth active probe released by state officials in about a week. However, it is not clear what criminal laws and the project developers violate.
The controversy began in February after a video promoting Epic City went viral online. He received immediate backlash from commenters, including Abbott.
Abbott repeatedly denounced the Sharia law and the projects promoting “Sharia cities” by referring to a set of religious laws that form part of the Islamic tradition.
That same month, Texas Rep. Jeff Leach, R-Plano, sent a letter to Attorney General Ken Paxton requesting that he examine the epic.
The initial investigation was then conducted, followed by three more Abbott ordered in addition to the criminal investigation.
The first four studies include claims that the project may be violating non-Muslims, along with potential financial harm to investors, a potential violation of the Texas Consumer Protection Act, and operating illegal funeral services.
Kera News submitted multiple requests for comments last week in a series of questions attempting to clarify Abbott’s claims.
The governor’s office had not responded to requests for these comments as of Tuesday.
Imran Chaudhary, president of Community Capital Partners, said in an email to Kera News last week that the company will work with Paxton in a pending investigation.
“We understand that there were a lot of rumors and misinformation circulated by many people who were not given information,” Chaudhary said. “We look forward to working with the Attorney General to maintain legal compliance at every stage of the road and educate the wider community about the project.”
Initial stage
Abbott ordered EPIC and its affiliates to halt construction on Tuesday, and Kelly Keel, executive director of Texas Environmental Quality, wrote that despite “a wide range of permit obligations,” TCEQ has no application or document for the project and is in violation of state law.
However, during a hearing in Collin County Commission Court on Monday, David Kahloefer, senior project manager at Epic City, said the project is still in the analysis stage.
“We are considering the option to prepare a TCEQ application, but at this point we are still in the due diligence phase,” he said.
Kahloefer said the group expects to apply for permits from the county later this year, but is not ready to move forward yet.
Developer Community Capital Partners has purchased the land, completed water and flood investigations, and adapted plans based on those results.
Darrell Evans, a former Democratic candidate for Colin County’s 89 House District, Texas, told county commissioners during a hearing that the Muslim community in North Texas is being unfairly targeted.
“In America, are we investigating ideas and spending taxes now?” Evans said. “Is that where we are?”
Why are people upset?
Some residents who live near the development location said they were concerned about how the development will affect local resources, including water availability, emergency services, roads and traffic.
In 2023, Josephine’s population grew by nearly 5,000. This has increased by 234% over three years. Colin County is also experiencing a rapid population boom. The county’s growth is straining resources. Local fire departments are struggling to meet the demand for emergency services in unincorporated county areas.
However, several speakers at the Colin County Commission’s Monday hearing repeated stereotypes about Muslim faith. This includes unfounded claims that potentially grand city residents will partner with terrorist organizations.
Tasha Escoto told the commissioner she was not opposed to inclusion, but she said that Muslim-oriented communities were opposed to America’s “Christian values.”
“I’m sick of this even considering even Texas today,” Escoto said. “We are a country based on Christian values. Why are we allowing this? This is what we called a cult, but today we are called a community.”
Samar Wakal, a Muslim woman living in Colin County, said these comments do not represent her beliefs and that it is not fair to generalize about the Muslim community based on stereotypes.
“The value of my faith is based on compassion and kindness, in welcoming everyone,” she said. “There is no discrimination in our faith.”
“Open Community”
Erin Ragsdale, representative of the community’s POW Partners, said at a hearing Monday that everyone was welcomed in the spectacular city and was not exclusive to the Muslim community.
“Anyone who wants to buy land in this proposed masterplan community can buy it,” Ragsdale said. “To build houses, open businesses, build schools, build churches, it’s open to everyone, and their vision is to build an inclusive community for everyone.”
Ragsdale said he believes that if the development plan focuses on the location of Christian worship, the response from the community might look different.
Ragsdale added that the community is “prideful to be Texans.”
“They are excited to have the opportunity to develop a Master Plan family-centric community in Colin County,” Ragsdale said.
“It’s hard to stand here today and hear all the ideas, hypotheses, and backstory that people have.”
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Penelope Rivera is Kera’s broken news reporter.
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